One of many positions Manchester United have struggled to search out the proper resolution for below Ruben Amorim is at wing-back.
On the fitting flank, issues appear extra settled. Amad has put in some good performances this time period, locking down his place on that facet and forming a very good partnership with summer time arrival Bryan Mbeumo.
The left-hand facet has been extra problematic. Final January, the Purple Devils purchased in Patrick Dorgu from Lecce to function on the market, however at simply 21 years of age, he’s nonetheless inexperienced and has rightly had his sport time managed.
That has meant Diogo Dalot has operated on the market so much.
Dalot’s regarding kind at left wing-back
26-year-old Dalot is turning into one of the skilled gamers in United’s squad. The Portuguese defender has performed 219 occasions for the membership and gives glorious versatility, capable of function at each left-back and his pure right-back.
It’s that versatility that Amorim has leaned into this season. In fact, the Purple Devils boss infamously performs with wing-backs, and he has tasked Dalot with that this season. The United quantity 2 has operated at left wing-back as a rule in 2025/26.
In 9 appearances throughout all competitions, the previous FC Porto star has performed 5 occasions at left wing-back. In his final 4 matches within the Premier League, Dalot has performed on that flank.
Dalot stats from final 2 video games | ||
|---|---|---|
Stat | vs. Brighton | vs. Forest |
Touches | 42 | 43 |
Cross accuracy | 83% | 88% |
Crosses accomplished | 0/0 | 0/2 |
Duels received | 3/5 | 3/8 |
Possibilities created | 1 | 0 |
Stats from Sofascore | ||
He does supply one thing going ahead, at occasions. Final season, he chalked up this spectacular help in opposition to Fulham within the FA Cup from the left flank, with Bruno Fernandes firing house to cap off a very good transfer.
But, United followers do appear to be dropping persistence with Dalot. Content material creator Dev Bajwa stated the Purple Devils’ quantity two has “acquired to be dropped” and stated his teammates are “carrying” him.
Nicely, an answer would possibly properly current itself for Amorim if he does resolve to drop Dalot.
The Man United star who can substitute Dalot
United actually have choices on the left flank. Dalot, in fact, has been Amoirm’s first-choice in current video games, and Dorgu is one other participant who may slot in there.
Nevertheless, one man who’s but to function in that position this season is Luke Shaw.
Nicely, that’s as a result of the England worldwide has performed a starring position on the left of United’s again three. In fact, he’s a left-back by commerce, however has shone at left centre-back. That might all change quickly with the approaching return of Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine is near returning to motion after being sidelined since February with a knee damage. He’s, nevertheless, a trusted lieutenant of Amorim when match, and has began all 16 potential video games below the Portuguese supervisor.
Martinez is now again in full coaching and will characteristic in opposition to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. If he does come into the facet, it may see a reshuffling of the pack for Amorim.
With the 2022 World Cup winner set to fit into the again three on the left, Shaw would have the ability to transfer to left wing-back.
It’s a position he has solely finished 15 occasions in 297 video games for United. He’s additionally performed there for England, and scored the opener within the Euro 2020 last, a purpose Three Lions supporters is not going to neglect in a rush.
Shaw as soon as described Martinez as a “monster” so unleashing the £48m defender when he’s again to full health is sensible. It additionally gives Amorim an opportunity to alter issues up, with Dalot struggling for his greatest kind at left wing-back.
Enjoying Shaw excessive and broad, permitting him to get crosses into the field on his robust foot, is a transfer that appears to make sense for the supervisor. With the disappointing kind and common misprofiling of Dalot by Amorim, changing him with Martinez may make the Purple Devils a extra well-rounded group. It may lastly spell the top for the Portuguese in United colors.
